Just got my fishfinder...battery Question?

[digimortal777]

Ok...so i just got a garmin fishfinder 120 for my fiberglass boat.<br /><br />I have a Honda bf15 that has a wireing harness to charge a battery (12v 6amp)...my qustion is what is the best type of battery to get, will a regular car battery do the job or do you need a marine battery.<br /><br />also how do you connect everything . is it ok to have the engine charging the battery the same time as using the fishfinder?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Just got my fishfinder...battery Question?

You should be using a marine battery. It is possible to use an auto battery but they are not designed for the rough conditions a battery often sees on a boat.<br /><br />The “best” battery you can get is an AGM (absorbed gas matt) but it isn’t necessary. There is better value in a flooded cell (also called a ‘wet’ battery) similar to the kind in most cars…but marine grade is preferred for boating applications.<br /><br />You want to connect the ff per the manf directions. It is ok to have the battery charging while the ff is in use. Your Garmin 120 will work with voltages form 10v to 18vdc and has hi-voltage protection above that. A charging system for a 12v battery never needs to see 15vdc.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Just got my fishfinder...battery Question?

Definately get a marine battery - an automotive one won't hold up to the pounding.<br /><br />My motor also has a 6-amp alternator; I run the bilge pump, 2 livewell pumps, running lights & fishfinder all on the cranking battery (deep-cycle) and it works fine.